The right to freedom of peaceful assembly – fundamental to a stable, law-abiding society – has been increasingly restricted in Russia since 2012 and remains under severe clampdown. The authorities demonstrate little tolerance of any public assembly that openly defies them, proclaims views they do not support or takes place without express permission. With the 2018 presidential elections approaching, and the forthcoming football World Cup putting Russia in the international media spotlight, it is likely that an increasing number of people in Russia will try to exercise their right to freedom of peaceful assembly in the coming months.
